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Aisha Wahab wins California special election to succeed former Rep. Eric Swalwell
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- California state Sen. Aisha Wahab won a special election to serve the remainder of former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s term representing California’s 14th Congressional District, covering parts of Alameda County.
- Wahab is the first Afghan American elected to Congress and defeated Bay Area Rapid Transit Director Melissa Hernandez despite significant outside spending against her.
- Swalwell resigned amid sexual assault and harassment allegations, which he denies, and federal investigations into these claims are ongoing, including searches of his home and electronic devices.
- Wahab has focused on housing affordability and anti-discrimination legislation, including a 2023 bill to ban caste-based discrimination, which was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
- Wahab and Hernandez will compete again in the November election for the full two-year term, with the race marked by contrasting views on Israel and Palestine and substantial outside political spending.
